“I know God will provide,” says director. “He always has.” Since CARES Food Pantry was founded in 2004 the organization has only run out of money twice - once in 2008 and now. To avoid cutting services in ‘08 the non profit - which provides food and other aid to needy Pickens families - took out a loan. Now CARES Executive Director Larry Starr said the board of directors is again faced with the same difficult decision. Do they cut services or borrow money on faith, not knowing where or how it will be repaid? “We’ve had to empty out our emergency funds, which was about $15,000,” said Starr, who explained that after their fiscal year ended this June they “had nothing left over. We had to start paying bills from the emergency fund or delay paying bills and now it’s gone.”

Jasper Police and the GBI are investigating an armed robbery at the Save-A-Lot Thursday night about 10 p.m. after the store had closed.

Employees said two white males with hoodies hiding their faces approached the store when a single employee was closing. One smashed the front door with a baseball bat and both entered. One was armed with a handgun.

They took only cash and fled on foot.

A full contingent of police, sheriff’s officials and GBI investigators have all been on the scene over night.

One arrest was made by the officers working this case. But, Sgt. Matt Dawkins with the Jasper Police said, “This arrest was not connected to the store robbery." He said he was not releasing details on that arrest as the investigation is still underway.

Save-A-Lot Manager Donnie Copeland said the employee who was closing was extremely shaken up, but not injured. The store was closed mid-morning Friday as investigators continue to work inside, including taking shoe prints.

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“Nothing like this has ever happened here,” he said. “The worst thing we have ever had was the Coke machines being broken into.”

By Max Caylor,Progress contributor “I want to do what is right for the country,” stated Lee Benedict as he announced his candidacy for the U S Senate seat currently held by incumbent Johnny Isakson Tuesday in Jasper. Benedict is a special education teacher in Augusta.